Celebrate the End of Bottled Water Sales on Campus at Dec. 5 Event

Art instructor Beth Haggart (left), who designed the water bottle sculpture, works on its assembly with senior art major Casey Smith. (Photo: Ben Sarle)

On Jan. 1, 2013, UVM will become one of the first universities in the country to end the sale of bottled water (the flat, unflavored variety) on its campus. In celebration of this environmentally friendly policy -- the result of years of lobbying by students -- a "retirement party" for bottled water will be held Wednesday, Dec. 5 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Davis Center's atrium.

To be unveiled at the event is a giant eco-sculpture made from approximately 3,000 empty water bottles -- a visual reminder of the amount of waste that can be eliminated by using refillable containers at the 200-plus drinking fountains and 75-plus bottle refill stations conveniently located around campus.

The event, open to all, will also include speakers, games, taste tests and discounted water bottles.